Polk announces N1 sound bar and Melee gaming headset

For folks who have not heard about Polk before, well, here we are with a short note on them. Polk happens to be a high-performance audio brand that comes with 40 years of sound, engineering and design expertise, and they have recently announced that they will be making available a couple of products available to the masses. First of all would be the Melee gaming headset that was specially developed for the Xbox 360 console, while there is also the Polk N1 sound bar that delivers an immersive soundstage for gaming as well as entertainment regardless of the gaming platform, with the new Xbox One included. I guess the Xbox 360 still has some life left in its legs despite all of the recent buzz that surrounded next generation game consoles.

Why would we recommend either one of these to those who game on Microsoft’s consoles? Well, that is because Polk has also extended its partnership with Microsoft all the way until the end of next year, which would result in additional opportunities for product development in the gaming category, while Polk’s sound engineers continue to work with Microsoft’s 343 and Turn 10 Studios to deliver better quality audio in their titles.

The Melee gaming headset will boast of Polk’s proprietary electronic and acoustic tuning in addition to a DSP Amplifier, ensuring that your ears are treated to a richer, fuller listening experience. Accompanied by a retractable near-field microphone, users are able to carry out chats with one another, as well as to take calls. It will tuck itself smoothly into the ear cup whenever it is not in use. Other than that, Polk’s thumb-reach Audio Mixer would also enable users to adjust listening modes, audio and chat levels, all without the need to remove their hands from the controller.

As for the N1 sound bar, it has been licensed by Microsoft and designed for the newest Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles. You will be treated to an upscale design which complements the console’s slimmer form factor, while the sound bar leverages Dolby Digital and a quartet of immersion modes which will enable gamers to achieve a balance between unique listening scenarios in addition to music, ambient details, special effects and dialogue.

The Polk Melee and N1 sound bar will retail for $199.95 and $299.95, respectively.